Earlier today, conservative influencer Charlie Kirk was shot while at a speaking event on the Utah Valley University campus. FBI Director Kash Patel later confirmed that the suspect is now in custody, and local officials have said that there is a person of interest in custody. The incident is being investigated by Orem Police, UVU police, the FBI, and the Utah Department of Public Safety.
At 2:40 p.m., President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that Charlie Kirk is dead.
The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
President Donald J. Trump
President Trump also announced on Truth Social that all flags throughout the United States will be lowered to half mast until Sunday at 6 p.m.
Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox also confirmed that Kirk was dead in a post on X, sharing Trump’s Truth Social post, writing, “I just got off the phone with President Trump. Working with the FBI and Utah law enforcement, we will bring to justice the individual responsible for this tragedy. Abby and I are heartbroken. We are praying for Charlie’s wife, daughter, and son.”
Vice President JD Vance also shared Trump’s post on X, writing, “Eternal rest grant unto him, O lord.”
Former President Barack Obama wrote on X, “We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy. Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.”
A moment of silence and prayer was held on the House of Representatives floor in honor of Charlie Kirk and his family. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) called the House to order and requested everyone to stand for a moment of prayer.
Senator Mike Lee shared a statement reacting to Kirk’s death on X as well.
Charlie Kirk was an American patriot, an inspiration to countless young people to stand up and defend the timeless truths that make our country great. This murder was a cowardly act of violence, an attack on champions of freedom like Charlie, the students who gathered for civil debate, and all Americans who peacefully strive to save our nation. The terrorists will not win. Charlie will. Please join me in praying for his wife Erika and their children. May justice be swift.”
Senator Mike Lee (R-UT)
Lee also shared to reporters that he had been texting with Kirk just yesterday. “He was excited to visit Utah. He told me about this trip many weeks ago, invited me to come. I told him we would almost certainly be in session, I wouldn’t be able to be there, but I wish I could join him,” Lee said. “I’ve known him for a long time, I believe since he was a teenager, when he first started this effort. He was a dear friend. Nobody else like him.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shared a statement with the media, which you can read below.
It is with great sadness that we learn of the shooting that took place at Utah Valley University resulting in the death of Charlie Kirk. Our prayers go out to his family at this time. We condemn violence and lawless behavior. We also pray that we may treat one another with greater kindness, compassion and goodness. For members of the Church, we reaffirm the Savior’s teaching and admonition is to love our neighbor.”
Church Spokesman Doug Andersen
Kash Patel, FBI Director, posted a statement on X earlier in the day. “We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation.”
Earlier in the day, Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams shared the following statement to ABC4.com.
I’m deeply disturbed by the violent incident involving Charlie Kirk at UVU. What happened is outrageous, un-American and completely unacceptable. Political violence has no place in Utah or anywhere in America. Free speech and civil discourse are core to who we are, and I stand firmly for both. My prayers are with Charlie and his family.”
Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams
“I join Utahns across the state in praying for the safety of Charlie Kirk and all of those in attendance at the event. Free speech is the bedrock of our democracy, and violence has absolutely no place in our politics,” Utah Democrats Chair Brian King (D-Utah) shared on the Utah Democrats’ X account.
“Violence is unacceptable. It has no place in our state, our nation, or our politics—ever. No disagreement, no matter how deep, justifies an attack like this. What happened is wrong, it is dangerous, and it cannot be tolerated. My prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected during this difficult time. We cannot allow hatred and violence to define who we are. We are better than this,” Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz (R-Utah) shared on X.
“The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form,” Gavin Newsom, California Governor, shared on X.
Salt Lake County Mayor District Attorney Sim Gill also shared a statement on X, writing, “I did not agree with the ideas of Charlie Kirk but I supported his & everyone’s Constitutional right to speak. Gun violence has no place in our society and political violence has no place in our democracy. Condolences to Mr. Kirk’s family. A sad day for us as a Nation.”
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson also shared a statement. “I am deeply concerned for everyone impacted by the shooting of Charlie Kirk today at UVU. Our thoughts are with him and his loved ones. As Salt Lake County mayor, I implore all Utahns to respect freedom of speech and to resolve conflicts through civic engagement, not with violence.”
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